Revision total hip arthroplasty (THA) is a challenging scenario following complex primary THA for developmental dysplasia of hip (DDH). Our study envisages the long-term outcomes of revision DDH and the role of lateral structural support in socket fixation in these young patients who may require multiple revisions in their life-time.

Hundred and eighteen consecutive cemented revision THAs with minimum follow up of 5 years following primary diagnosis of DDH operated between January 1974 and December 2012 were analysed for their clinical and radiological outcomes.

The mean follow-up of 118 patients was 11.0 years (5.1–39.6 years). The Kaplan Mier survivorship at 11 years with end point as revision for any reason was 89.8% (CI 81.1–98.4). Of 118 revisions, 88 acetabular revisions were for aseptic loosening. Out of the acetabular revisions, 21 had pre-existing structural bone grafts from primary surgery, of which only 3 needed structural re-grafting during revision. Amongst the remaining 18 hips, the lateral support from the previous graft facilitated revision with no requirement of additional structural graft. Sixty-three hips did not have any form of grafting during primary operation. Amongst them, 35 had bone grafting in revision surgery (18 structural grafting).

This study reports the largest number of revision THAs with primary diagnosis of DDH with the longest follow up. In our experience, the lateral support from the structural graft done in primary operation appears to have provided benefit in subsequent revision socket fixation.

The radiological evidence of implant failure following plate fixation of traumatic pubic symphysis diastasis can be up to 75%. We report the complications following symphyseal double orthogonal plating in patients with pubic symphysis diastasis over a period of 2.5 years. Patient records and radiographs of 38 consecutive patients were reviewed with mean follow up of 12.5 months. 5 patients (13%) had radiological evidence of implant failure with one patient (2.6%) requiring revision surgery. There was no evidence of wound complications. We conclude that our lower rate of revision surgery and metal work failure is attributed to double orthogonal plating.